Nikolas Cruz’s Brother Breaks His Social Media Silence: “Appreciate All the Positive Messages” (REPORT)

The younger half-brother of Nikolas Cruz has broken his social media silence, nearly two weeks after the Florida high school massacre. A person identifying himself as Zachary Cruz opened up his Facebook page to the public — and posted a new profile photo over the weekend of two smiling little boys hugging each other with the message, "Appreciate all the positive messages." Since then, Zach posted another photo and wrote, "Reminiscing." Watch the video above to see the pic.

Immediately, people began commenting on the photo, with many offering their support. "Good luck to you, Zachary," one person began. "I am sure you have people, but if you need someone to talk to, many of us are here." Another added, "My heart goes out to you! Sorry you have to go thru this." A third, however, wasn't as empathetic. "Can we stop with the thoughts and prayers for the sociopathic lunatic with aspirations of being a "professional school shooter" who murdered 17 innocents in cold blood?"

According to The Palm Beach Post, Zachary was removed from the home of Rocxanne Deschamps, a longtime family friend of the brothers who took them in after their adoptive mother died of pneumonia in November. He was committed to a mental health facility just days after the shooting under Florida's Baker Act, which can hold a person involuntarily for up to 72 hours for a psychiatric exam.

"He bought a gun and wanted to bring it into my house," Rocxanne said of Nikolas in comments that have since been removed from her Facebook page. Chad Bennett, a family friend, revealed Rocxanne gave Nikolas an ultimatum and he "chose the gun and he left." It's not known if the gun that led to his departure is the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle he used to open fire on students and staff inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, leaving 17 dead, making it one of the top 10 deadliest mass shootings in modern US history.

It's also not known if Zachary has been released from the facility. However, based on his social media activity, we can assume he has.

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